Asia Cup 2014: Down the unbeaten track

Sri Lanka rested Lasith Malinga for this inconsequential final group leg affair. It didn’t matter much because the wearing Sher-e-Bangla Stadium pitch gave enough purchase to their spinners and the Islanders strangled Bangladesh with their spin. The slow bowlers triggered a middle-order collapse that saw the hosts only manage 204 for nine in 50 overs.

The target was never going to pose a threat to Sri Lanka despite the fact that Bangladesh bowlers kept it tight for most of the innings and also made early inroads. Sri Lanka lost their first three wickets for eight runs and then lost half the side with just 75 runs on the board. But they were always one substantial partnership away from the target.

Skipper Angelo Mathews and Chaturanga de Silva provided that with an 82-run stand for the sixth wicket and the former stayed till the end to secure a three-wicket win with six balls to spare. Sri Lanka finished the group stage with an all-win record.

Mathews’ 103-ball 74 not out was all about top-class application in difficult conditions. He picked the gaps perfectly and never looked to be in a hurry. The first boundary, a six in fact, arrived after he played 16 balls. He then went into a shell again. Mathews had time on his side and Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim allowed his partnership with De Silva to flourish by holding back his better bowlers.

Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah were brought back to bowl in tandem only after 35 overs but by then Sri Lanka were safe. It has to be said, though, that De Silva’s 52-ball 44 put pressure on the opposition and allowed his captain to play at his own pace. Though there were only a few balls left at the end, Sri Lanka were always in control.

Wickets in a heap

Earlier, Bangladesh failed to survive Sri Lanka’s spin-punch and lost wickets in a heap in the middle-overs. Ajantha Mendis started the damage with the wicket of opener Shamsur Rahaman, who till then, was going slow but steady. But a looping off-spinner from Mendis caught him plumb in front and Bangladesh lost their first wicket with 74 runs on the board in 18.2 overs.

Mominul Haque departed just two runs later, missing a straight delivery from Mendis to lose his off stump. Skipper Mushfiqur Rahim tried to improvise but misjudged the length of a De Silva delivery to be out leg before. Anamul Haque, who batted well for his 49, departed to a spectacular diving catch from Lahiru Thirimanne at mid-wicket. Part-time off spinner Ashan Priyanjan was the bowler.

Shakib tried to up the ante but was caught at short mid-wicket by Mathews off Priyanjan. Bangladesh slumped to 119 for five in 33.2 continued…